The PlayStation Portable (PSP) may not have enjoyed the same mainstream success as its successor, the PlayStation Vita, or even the Nintendo DS, but it still holds a special place in the hearts of many gamers. Released in 2004, the PSP was a game-changer in handheld gaming, offering console-quality games on the go. With its impressive hardware and expansive library of games across multiple genres, the PSP quickly became a must-have for anyone looking for a truly portable gaming experience. Many of its titles still hold up as some of the best handheld games ever made, and they continue to be fondly remembered by fans of the system.
One of the standout titles of the PSP era is Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII. A prequel to the iconic Final Fantasy VII, Crisis Core explores the backstory of Zack Fair, a character who plays a pivotal role in the original game. Featuring cendanabet fast-paced real-time combat and a compelling storyline, Crisis Core became one of the most beloved entries in the Final Fantasy franchise. The game’s emotional depth, memorable characters, and stunning visuals (for a handheld system) made it a must-play for RPG fans. The game’s integration of Final Fantasy VII lore allowed long-time fans to explore the past of the game’s iconic characters while introducing newcomers to the series.
Gran Turismo for the PSP brought the renowned racing series to a portable format, and it did not disappoint. While it may not have had the sheer number of cars and tracks seen in its console counterparts, the game delivered the same level of precision and realism that made the Gran Turismo series a household name. The PSP’s hardware limitations didn’t stop Gran Turismo from offering a solid racing experience, with detailed cars, beautiful tracks, and an expansive career mode. The ability to race on the go, coupled with the game’s realistic physics and graphics, made it one of the standout titles for the PSP.
Another game that truly showcased the PSP’s capabilities was God of War: Chains of Olympus. The God of War series had already earned a reputation for delivering brutal, action-packed gameplay, and Chains of Olympus brought that same experience to the handheld. As a prequel to the main series, the game follows Kratos as he battles gods, monsters, and his inner demons. The game’s fast-paced combat, epic set-pieces, and gripping storyline helped it stand out as one of the best action games on the PSP. The ability to experience God of War on the go was a major selling point for the system, and Chains of Olympus proved that the PSP could deliver console-quality action experiences in the palm of your hand.
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is another PSP game that should be on any list of the best titles for the system. Serving as a direct sequel to Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, Peace Walker expanded on the tactical espionage gameplay of its predecessors while introducing new elements such as base-building and cooperative multiplayer. The game’s deep narrative, which continues the story of Big Boss, is one of the series’ most complex and emotionally charged. The game also introduced innovative mechanics, like the ability to recruit soldiers to build your own private army, which added a layer of strategy to the classic Metal Gear gameplay. Peace Walker is widely regarded as one of the finest games in the Metal Gear franchise and is one of the PSP’s defining titles.